Which is better: metal roof vs shingle roof?
The answer to whether metal or shingle roofing is better for your home depends on a selection of factors and varies on a case-by-case basis. When looking to buy or replace a roof, homeowners need to consider factors such as durability, maintenance, aesthetics, installation, and of course, cost, just to name a few.
The good news? You have lots of options. The less good news is that it can be difficult to navigate which option is right for you. But we are glad you are here because Legacy Building in Northern Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley can help you discern the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
Metal vs. Shingle Roofing: Advantages and Disadvantages
- COST: Metal roofing is generally more expensive up-front than, say, your traditional asphalt shingle roofing. On average, metal costs roughly $15-$20 per square foot while asphalt shingles usually cost about $4-$6 per square foot. Meanwhile, cedar shingles can be much pricier than their asphalt counterparts, with cedar ranging anywhere from $6-$20 per square foot depending on the type you choose. The question here is how much you are willing to invest in your roof up-front — for short-term investment, asphalt shingles are your cheapest option, but when it comes to the long-term, metal or cedar roofing may be the right option for you.
- DURABILITY: While asphalt shingles may be the cheapest option up-front, they also come with the shortest lifespan, anywhere between 20-30 years. Cedar shingles on average last about 30 years if properly maintained. Metal roofs, on the other hand, can last 40-70 years. Premium metals such as copper and zinc, however, can have a shelf life of 70-100 years!
- MAINTENANCE: Shingle roofs, especially cedar, require more maintenance than metal roofs. When it comes to high levels of humidity and heavy seasonal rains and winds in Virginia, metal roofs can weather the storms with much less maintenance than shingles. Cedar roofs require the highest level of maintenance.
- INSTALLATION: Asphalt shingle roofs are the easiest to install since the material is the most flexible and forgiving. Naturally, this also means a more streamlined, faster, and cheaper installation process than metal (or even cedar) roofs.
- AESTHETICS: Unlike shingle roofing, one of the biggest advantages of metal roofing is that you can order it in almost any color. In terms of style, they range from panel systems, such as standing seam metal roofing systems, to exposed fastener systems. The two standard types of asphalt shingles are 3-tab and architectural and they, unlike metal roofs, come in limited color schemes.
Your local roofing company in Northern VA and the Shenandoah Valley
Legacy Building is here for you. Reach out to us for a free quote and learn more about how we can help you put the right roof over your home today!
Email: info@legacybuildingusa.com
Phone: 571-814-8915
